MSc by Research in Philosophy
Overview
This is a one-year (full-time) research degree which is designed to provide a foundation for further research, normally in the form of a PhD in Philosophy. Students write a long dissertation under the supervision of a member of faculty (sometimes more than one member of faculty). Although the Department of Philosophy can in principle offer supervision for any research project in philosophy, it has particular research strengths in the following areas (in which it hosts dedicated research 'clusters'):
- Ancient philosophy
- Early modern philosophy
- Epistemology
- Ethics
- Logic and Language
- Mind and cognition
The structure of the degree
Students on this degree programme can choose between the following two options:
- Dissertation of around 30,000 words; or
- Dissertation of around 25,000 words and 40 credits of assessed courses at level 11.
Students who opt for (ii) will determine their courses in consultation with their designated supervisor. Note that students on this degree programme can, if they wish (and subject to making satisfactory progress on their degree), transfer directly to the 2nd year of either an MPhil or PhD degree.
Applications
Applicants should possess an undergraduate degree in Philosophy of at least 2:1 honours standard (UK) or equivalent (for example, at least high average B or 3.4 out of 4 in the North American grading system). Students whose first degree is not in Philosophy may be considered for admission: such applicants must have achieved a high standard in their undergraduate work and provide evidence that they are capable of converting to study in Philosophy. Applicants will need to produce a detailed research proposal (roughly 500 words) as part of their application. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consider which members of faculty might supervise their project, and to indicate this in their application.
Informal inquiries about admission to this degree may be addressed to the Director of Graduate Studies, Dr Tillmann Vierkant.
Further information
- Handbooks
- For details about funding, go to Scholarships.
- Research in Philosophy at Edinburgh.
- Postgraduate study in Philosophy at Edinburgh.
- Application information for prospective postgraduate students.
- Administrative inquiries regarding applications to this programme should be directed to the PPLS Postgraduate Office. All other inquiries should be directed to the Director of Graduate Studies, Dr Tillmann Vierkant.